In a hearing that lasted over one hour that included
extensive public comments, the Elk Grove City Council last night agreed in
principle to make changes to an ordinance that will allow an Old Town Elk Grove
establishment to move and continue their operations.

The ordinance change to Elk Grove’s Old Town special
planning area (SPA) will allow Bob’s Club on Elk Grove Boulevard to relocate
their business to a structure across the street and continue their operations.
The bar, a long standing Old Town establishment had many patrons testify during
public comments in favor of the change.

Speaking to the council Bob’s Club owner Allen Vito said he and his family want to continue serving the Elk Grove community. He added he hopes to keep the business going for years so that he can pass on to his son in the coming years, and by keeping it in Old Town would facilitate that process."There is nothing that touches are heart like the business we have in Elk Grove," he said of his desire to stay in Old Town. "It's the best direction for our business and my customer base. Elk Grove needs more hospitality business in Old Town."

Current regulations in the Old Town SPA only permits new
establishments that sell alcohol primarily be restaurants. The city’s staff
recommended the change to help jumpstart the moribund area in hopes of
establishing it as an entertainment type district within the city.

The report said “these types of uses can assist in
furthering economic activity within Old Town. They can serve as a destination,
attracting people to the area, which can then lead to ancillary acidity for
nearby uses. Although supportive, the report acknowledged there negative
associated with bars and recommended that approval of more alcohol only
establishments be a on a case-by-case basis.

While the city council will formally change the SPA
ordinance at their next city council meeting, future applications for
conditional use permits will be done on a case-by-case basis as recommended by
staff. Had the ordinance change not been approved, Bob’s Club in their current form would not have
been able to relocate within Old Town Elk Grove.